Symbols make it simple Icons for Reading Room requirements introduced at the British Library

The British Library has introduced a series of icons to improve awareness of the "dos and don'ts" of using our Reading Rooms among our Readers.

The icons cover ten regulations already in force - including no food or drink, no sharp implements and no cameras - which aim to foster consideration of other Readers and care for our collections.

"We are committed to ensuring our Reading Rooms provide a pleasant and appropriate place for all researchers to work and that our collection items are properly treated," said William Burton, Director of Operations and Services. "With this in mind, we have developed a series of icons to clearly demonstrate our Reading Room requirements. The rules haven't changed - we just want to make sure that all of our Readers are aware of them."

The images are designed to be quickly and easily understood by everyone - in particular those who are new to our Reading Rooms or whose first language is not English.

William Burton added, "People are accustomed to seeing icons - they are used in many locations to communicate important messages. We hope our new icons will serve to clarify and then effectively remind all our Readers of the particulars of our Reading Rooms."

The icons will be displayed at key locations - including the Cloakroom, Locker Room and upon entry to each Reading Room - to ensure our requirements are clearly communicated.

For further information and please contact Annabelle Cozens at the British Library Press Office, Telephone +44 (0)20 7412 7105, e-mail annabelle.cozens@bl.uk

Notes for Editors

Please see some examples of our new icons below: